By Viktoriya Smith
Turner Mountain Ski Area opened for 2018 ski season on Dec. 26, 2017. Opening day had over 175 people which included numerous new skiers and several children. As of Dec. 28, there were 25 inches of snow at the base and 35 inches of snow at the summit.
The mountain received fresh snow the night before opening, and “it was a great day,” according to Bruce Zwang who is a board member.
Weather permitting, Turner Mountain will be open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 9:30 a.m. until 3:45 p.m. throughout the season. This year’s specials include a Learn to Ski in 3 package which includes three hours of lessons, equipment rentals up to three times, and three lift ticket for $90.
Turner Mountain is also offering a Fifth Grade Passport this season. The passport offers five days on the mountain for just $20.
Turner Mountain ski area is planning to be open on Monday, Feb. 19 for Presidents day too. Kids will ski free and adult passes will be discounted during the event. Annually, in mid-March, Turner Mountain also celebrates Crazy Days. During Crazy Days, a variety of games are played with plenty of fun on the slopes, said Zwang.
Locals are encouraged to enjoy our own ski area . According to Zwang, every dollar that comes in to Turner Mountain goes right back into the improvement of the ski area whether it is used for a new employee, equipment or even improvement of the slopes themselves.
The hill by the lodge was recently improved so that skiers could more easily come down without making stops.
The rental shop has new equipment this year. Jeremiah Walker is now running the full service cafeteria in the lodge, and Chad Monroe is the skiing instructor.
“It is a lot easier to learn faster with a professional, he is a good instructor for kids and adults,” Zwang said.
Zwang is excited about the season, “when it snows, people come,” he said, “and the weather is promising to bring more snow.”